and Serena Pollack

There is a common perception that our generation is apathetic and generally disinterested in becoming involved in the Jewish community. We believe, however, that the 21 Jewish Milwaukeeans, ages 25-40, who have just graduated from the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Visions program clearly disprove the myth.

The Visions program is a young leadership development initiative that, according to its mission statement, aims to “to educate, motivate and inspire the next generation of Milwaukee Jewish leaders.”

To reach our goal, we met and had discussions with leaders past and present; and we were exposed to the issues and ideas that guide the federation’s decision-making process as well as to the process itself. We studied group dynamics and learned how they affect decision making.

We were able to talk with representatives of the federation’s constituent agencies, which allowed us to ask our questions directly to the leaders of our community, to learn more and to establish connections with the agencies for which we might have a particular interest or passion.

The representatives outlined the volunteer leadership opportunities within their agencies, which clearly illustrated that there are roles for emerging young leaders.

As co-chairs of the Visions program, our greatest reward, perhaps, was bringing together a group of people from both distinct and common backgrounds to cross the threshold into Jewish community involvement.

The group included individuals from all walks of life and places: Milwaukee natives, transplants from as close as Chicago and as far away as LA., lawyers, an architect, a dancer and salespeople.

Whether people’s experiences within the Jewish community were limited to synagogue, day schools, camping or some other activity, Visions afforded participants the awareness and information necessary to set forth on the path of their community involvement.
The concept of “vision” in leadership was discussed throughout the program. Participants were keenly aware that we live in historic times that call for leadership, and are ready to answer that call.

Building partnerships and sharing a common vision with people who may have differing viewpoints was one of the exciting results of spending the last few months together. As participants begin their leadership careers, they know that the group shares and respects many of the same core values and will work to find an acceptable solution, voice and direction for the community.

As Visions graduates, we have learned to value leadership and understand its challenges. Many of us have parents or friends who have set the standard for community leadership positions, and we will do our best to live up to their sterling example.

Every individual in the group sees his or her community role differently — evolving and changing over time. Some participants have already increased their level of involvement, taking advantage of opportunities they learned about during the program.

Visions was designed to serve as an orientation for emerging young leaders, to set their course and empower them to reach their volunteer and leadership goals. The program was a success. We were indeed inspired and concurrently educated.

Now it is our duty as “visionaries” to work together with the federation and its partners in building community and tikkun olam (healing the world).

Phillip Katz and Serena Pollack were co-chairs of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Visions 2003 program and led its steering committee in developing the Visions mission statement.